Xueqi BAI, CHEN Danfeng, Joseph SARAFIAN, Matt WHITHAM, Hun-Tao YU, & Xianshuang ZENG: Exploring the relationship between the component, the object, and the aggregation, this series of transformations begins with a cuboctahedron and subdivides it internally and externally. The interior geometry is severed into four pieces that can be assembled in various configurations while the exterior is transformed with a series of recursive subdivisions.

A cuboctahedron is comprised of six squares and eight triangles, thus to aggregate each piece, two types of connection were implemented. The triangle faces each have a soft connection, while the square faces feature a rigid connection. This distinction is derived from our interest with both organic forms in nature and the precision and machined quality of rapid prototyping tools. Depending on which connection is used, a variable outcome is produced. Final prototype is hybrid of CNC routed foam and 3-D printed accent elements.*

*Inverted Geode will be on display at UCLA’s Perloff Hall from October 3rd to December 19th, 2014.

sP: What or who influenced this project?
XB, CD, JS, MW, H-TY, & XZ: Michael Hansmeyer, Ernst Haeckel drawings, and the Death Star.